New GENTEX Helmet Designed for Sikorsky's X2 TECHNOLOGY(TM) Demonstrator

STRATFORD, Conn., Oct. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The historic first
flight of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.'s X2 TECHNOLOGY(TM) Demonstrator featured
the use of a helmet crafted by GENTEX especially for the X2 Demonstrator.
Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060403/SIKORSKYLOGO )
GENTEX developed four helmets, unique to the X2 TECHNOLOGY program. They
were specifically designed using the Modular Aircrew Common Helmet (MACH) as a
baseline. The helmets offer impact protection of a traditional helicopter
helmet, with windblast protection of a fixed-wing helmet.
"This is the first opportunity to fly this configuration of the MACH
helmet," said Barry Shope, Vice President, GENTEX Market Development. "GENTEX
is pleased to be part of this project allowing us to further solidify our
relationship with Sikorsky while demonstrating some of the unique
characteristics of this helmet."
Sikorsky Chief Test Pilot Kevin Bredenbeck wore the GENTEX helmet on Aug.
27 when he conducted the first test flight of the X2 TECHNOLOGY Demonstrator.
The Demonstrator aircraft's suite of technologies is intended to advance the
state-of-the-art, counter-rotating coaxial rotor helicopter.
The MACH helmet system is a two-part concept consisting of an inner "Life
Support Module" (LSM) and "Outer Mission Module" (OMM), in which each pilot
will be issued a custom-fitted LSM compatible with existing aircrew oxygen
masks while the Outer Mission Modules will be configured to accommodate all
current and future helmet-mounted equipment and displays. GENTEX is working to
reduce the current inventory of 27 helmets and helmet configurations to a
single design.
The X2 TECHNOLOGY Demonstrator is designed to establish that a helicopter
can cruise comfortably at 250 knots, while retaining such desirable helicopter
attributes as excellent low speed handling, efficient hovering, and safe
autorotation, combined with a seamless and simple transition to high speed.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in
helicopter design, manufacture, and service. The company's long commitment to
safety and innovation is reflected in its mission statement: "We pioneer
flight solutions that bring people home everywhere ... every time(TM)."
United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of
high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building
systems industries.
GENTEX is a recognized world leader in the design and manufacture of
advanced helmet systems for both air and ground crew applications. GENTEX also
develops integrated ensembles for soldiers and pilots, light filtration
materials, military ballistic and laser protective eyewear, electro-acoustic
devices, oxygen masks, and chemical and biological protective fabrics.
SOURCE Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.

Media, Marianne V. Heffernan of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., +1-203-583-9760,
mheffernan@sikorsky.com; or Megan Bowman of GENTEX Corporation,
+1-570-282-8300, mbowman@gentexcorp.com